Amy Lee

Amy Lee is a youth leader at Myton Church in Warwick. She took part in the CPAS Growing Leaders course last year.

'I used to see leadership as "steering the ship" - something that was done by people at the front,' Amy said. 'I already helped out with the youth group and holiday club, but I didn't see myself as a leader. I felt I was more involved with the day-to-day running of things and the leading was done by someone else.

'I was invited onto the Growing Leaders course and decided to take part as I thought it would be helpful as I progressed in the future. However, as the course went on, I started to discover I already had leadership skills I hadn't seen before. I realised that there are all sorts of different types of leader, not just the up-front roles I was used to, and it is just as valid to be a quieter leader behind the scenes, or to lead as part of a committee.

'The course really helped me to grow in confidence, and I have since undertaken other roles. I helped to lead one of the summer Bible study groups at my church and have started to lead in some services. I now see leadership as a privilege and I have realised the need to take responsibility for my role as a leader.

'Sincerity in leadership and recognising the responsibility that goes with it is very important. One thing that really stood out for me in Growing Leaders was the importance of character. Leadership needs to be built on good character, and there is a difference between that and simply having a good reputation.

'I now see my roles as a ministry, not just something I do, and have really started to take ownership of them and of "being the church" - part of the body that can lead others to Christ.'

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